Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ukraine: British Council

Tuesday 18 July 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • British Council's teaching and learning in difficult times programme has trained 1482 English teachers to support young Ukrainians.
  • The programme addresses trauma experienced by Ukrainian children and young people.
  • The British Council is committed to resettling eligible at-risk contractors from Afghanistan.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Baron Con
Ukraine Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The conflict in Ukraine has prompted the need to address how UK governmental bodies are supporting affected regions, particularly through cultural and educational initiatives.

Question

What recent steps have been taken to support the British Council's work in response to the conflict in Ukraine? The British Council's teaching and learning in difficult times programme has provided nearly 2,000 Ukrainian English teachers with help to support young people and children suffering trauma during the Russian invasion. Will the Minister confirm his thanks for this outstanding programme, his support for Zhanna Sevastianova and Leigh Gibson, and his recognition of the strategic impact?

Answer from David Rutley

Yes, I thank my hon. Friend for recognising that outstanding team's important work. The teaching and learning in difficult times programme has already trained 1,482 English teachers to support young Ukrainians.

Answered
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Q2 John Baron Con
NHS Education Ukraine
Context

The conflict in Ukraine has led to a need for additional support for children and young people who are suffering from the psychological impact of war.

Question

Hon. Members rightly highlight the importance of education, but for children in Ukraine it is also about addressing trauma they have experienced. What measures are being taken to collaborate with those in education and health sectors to assist these young individuals?

Answer from David Rutley

The hon. Gentleman makes important points. The work we are doing includes providing reassurance and support for these children and young people who face challenging circumstances.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete measures or collaborations with healthcare providers

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Immigration Ukraine
Context

The British Council's former staff and contractors are stranded in Afghanistan, despite having cleared security checks for the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme.

Question

As we know, the British Council has long been a force for good in Ukraine and worldwide. Given support for its work in Ukraine, will the same commitment be used to assist those former British Council teachers and contractors stranded in Afghanistan through the resettlement scheme?

Answer from David Rutley

The hon. Gentleman can be assured that we are honouring our commitment to resettle eligible at-risk British Council contractors, and it remains a priority.

Answered
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